Barcelona and a tale of two cities

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since I've gotten back from my big road trip.  But, it didn't take long for me to find some more excitement!  On Friday, November 2, I drove down to Seattle with a friend to see my favorite local band, Barcelona.  They are currently on tour opening for Blue October, and it's a great opportunity for more people to discover their music.

I took time off from work to make the drive down to Seattle, taking into account the rainy conditions and rush hour traffic.  My Blazer was in the shop to get a cracked heater core replaced, and I was using a loaner car.  I was all prepared to drive that loaner to Seattle when I got a phone call right as I was walking out the door...your Blazer is done!  YES!!!  I quickly exchanged vehicles, but it put me behind schedule.  As we neared downtown Seattle, we got stuck in traffic, made worse by the weather.  After enduring the agonizing stop-and-go, we finally made it to our destination.  We parked in the Pike Place Market parking garage...only $5 after 5:00 pm...and made the short walk to Showbox.  We grabbed a bite to eat at The Green Room, a comfortable and convenient place for pre-show refreshment. By eating or drinking there, you also get in the door before those waiting in line outside.

Like previous Barcelona shows, I had guest list privileges...love that...so my friend and I got in for free.  We found seats in the upper level, which gave us a good view of the stage.  Barcelona was not the only opening act for the night.  A Silent Film, a band from England, started things off.  Normally, I'm kind of leery when it comes to other artists that perform at the concerts I go to.  In other words, they end up being not my cup of tea.  But, I was pleasantly surprised with A Silent Film.  Their fast-paced, energetic songs reminded me of the 80s music and bands that I liked.

When A Silent Film finished their short set, they quickly broke down their equipment, aided by the Barcelona guys...so nice to see such camaraderie!  This was the first time I would be seeing Barcelona's current guitarist, Branden Cate.  He fit right in beautifully, both with his guitar and his vocals as the band played their six song set.

Lesser Things
Slipping Away
It's About Time
Come Back When You Can
The Takers
Falling Out Of Trees

  

Of course, I would have liked to hear a LOT more Barcelona, but alas, that is the nature of being an opening act.   I was hoping to see them afterward, but the band never showed up at the merchandise table.  I wondered if they were elsewhere at the club as Blue October took the stage.  Now, I can't say I know this band very well.  In fact, I only know one song, Into The Ocean, but I was willing to give them a listen. 

Well, I think I'll have to leave it at that.  Like I said before, not my cup of tea.  I didn't stay for the whole show, just long enough to hear that one song that I know.  Both of us had to work the next day, and I had a long drive back to Bellingham.  I never DID see the Barcelona guys that night, but I hoped things would be different at the next show.

As the tour continued, I saw them just three days later when they played the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  Accompanied by a different friend, we made the drive north against rush hour traffic, which all seemed to be traveling out of the city.  We got there nice and early, which allowed us a leisurely dinner at Japadog.  At first glance, you would think this restaurant is your standard hot dog place until you notice the unusual toppings available.  I ordered the Terimayo...teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise and seaweed...and a side of fries seasoned with butter and soy sauce.  Awesomely yummy!  After our scrumptious meal, we walked to the venue and came across the bands' tour vehicles parked behind the building.  

 

When we reached the front of the ballroom, I was surprised to find just two young women waiting at the door.  Vancouver being a large city, I guess I figured there would be rabid Blue October fans there early...it was an hour and a half before doors opening.  Just as we joined "the line," a couple of guys showed up, and a threesome who drove all the way up from Portland, OR.  

I was confident I would be meeting the Barcelona guys at this concert, but I was pleasantly surprised when it happened BEFORE the show!  About a half hour to doors opening, the band emerged from the building.  I called out to lead singer, Brian Fennell, and he and the other guys came out to the line to chat with us.  Drummer Rhett Stonelake introduced me to Branden, the new guitarist...told him I was their biggest fan.  Awww...sweet!  The Commodore Ballroom turned out to be a very nice, large venue.  There were many tables surrounding a spacious floor area in front of the stage, and we grabbed one.  Like the Seattle show, A Silent Film opened the night.  After hearing them perform for a second time, I decided I just had to pick up their new CD.  

When Barcelona hit the stage, I made my way down to the floor.  Strangely, not only were there not a whole lot of people there, most of them opted to remain seated, at least for the opening acts.  I joined about 25 people standing, and had a great view of the stage.  Barcelona played the same set as the Seattle show, minus one song, Come Back When You Can. 

 

After Barcelona got done with their performance, I waited at the merchandise table for their meet and greet.  The drummer for A Silent Film was there signing stuff, but I didn't see their lead singer.  Then, Brian appeared and I immediately showed interest in the new Barcelona T-shirt on display.  He made sure I got the size I wanted, and after purchasing it, I asked him if he would sign it for me.  When Rhett and Branden showed up, they also autographed my shirt.  I praised Branden for his guitar work and vocals, and chatted with Rhett about his new cat.  I told Brian that I didn't much care for Blue October's music, but when he asked me about A Silent Film, I professed my appreciation for their talents.  Next thing I know, Brian picks up the new A Silent Film CD from the merch table to give to me.  Efforts to pay for it myself fall in vain...Brian was very adamant that I not!  It was a very sweet gesture on his part, and much appreciated!  Of course, my perfect night would not be complete without photos with my favorite music guys!

Before I left, I noticed the lead singer for A Silent Film had appeared at the merch booth, and I asked him if he would sign my newly acquired CD.  He introduced himself as Robert, and gratefully accepted my praise for their music.  I exchanged goodbyes and hugs with the Barcelona guys, and after one last glimpse of Blue October on stage, made the drive south back to the good ole USA. 

It's too bad I couldn't synchronize my vacation time with the tour, because no doubt, I would be following Barcelona for many more shows.  But, that doesn't mean that you can't see them.  The tour continues on down the West Coast for the next three weeks, ending in Dallas, TX on November 24.  And, check out A Silent Film, too!  Like Barcelona, they make great music and I'm enjoying their new CD!  Thanks so much for that, Brian!  Love you guys! 

Hello, rain...good to see you again!

It was pouring rain this morning as I left Newport, OR.  I was hoping to visit the nearby Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, but the wet stuff put a major damper on that plan.  I quickly made a last minute addition to the day's agenda, and headed north.  I arrived in Hillsboro hungry, so I had a nice lunch at an Indian buffet...I LIKE Indian food!  Afterward, I made the short drive to Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals. Most of the rocks and minerals on display were donated items, and they had a really nice collection.  I was particularly impressed by their petrified wood gallery...dig the petrified pine cones!

The museum also had some pretty fossils...plant life, sea creatures, dinosaurs, and insects, too.  I thought the bot fly larvae fossil was interesting.  Some people have very unpleasant experiences with bot fly maggots...like when they get inside their bodies! 

Since it was raining in Portland, too...no big surprise...I did another museum to get out of the weather.  The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of those hands-on institutions that kids love.  I didn't much get into those exhibits, but I found a couple others that were informative. Race: Are We So Different explained how race is viewed in our country through culture, history and biology rather than appearance.  Then, there was Grossology: The Impolite Science of the Human Body.  This exhibit consisted of many hands-on models to explore the grossest aspects of the human body, but in a humorous way.  You'll never think about snot, poop, barf and farts in the same way after experiencing this one!

Well, all good things must come to an end.  Tomorrow, is the home stretch...literally.  I'm spending the night in Portland, and I'll make the 4 1/2 hour drive back home in the morning.  I think it actually may not be raining when I get back! 

A beary good day

When I left Arcata, CA this morning, it was overcast, but not raining.  I continued on my road trip, traveling on the scenic U.S. 101, hugging the Pacific Ocean to the west, and passing through redwood forests to the north.  My single destination of the day... West Coast Game Park in Bandon, OR.  If you've read my previous blog posts, you'll know that this is not my first visit to this unique zoo.  I've had the pleasure of interacting with young tigers, lions, black panthers and a cougar kitten.  I was looking forward another rewarding experience.

I got to the game park just in time to see their six-month-old cougar kitten.  She was too big to get too close, but I was able to pet her. Such a sweetie! 

 

There were not very many visitors there, so we didn't have to wait long for the next animal one-on-one.  The animal handler brought out an adorable black bear cub.  The cub was making the strangest purring sound while she was sucking on the handler's wrist...it sounded like a rickety engine!

Finally, the handler brought out some smaller animals.  I got to hold a young opossum and a ferret, and petted a white skunk and a raccoon.  The opossum was so soft...the others, not so much so.  But, it was a joy to interact with them.  I love animals!

 

Afterward, I walked around and looked at the other animals at the zoo.  I'm always on the lookout for photo moments that are out of the ordinary.  I found a couple nice ones...a dozing goat who appeared to be smiling, and a red fox who found a sly way to eat his food.

Tomorrow is my last full day of my road trip.  All good things must come to an end, and this road trip was full of good things.  But, I miss my cat and my own bed.  I'm ready for the home stretch. 

The joys of Jelly Belly

I left San Francisco this morning, after briefly getting caught up in rush hour traffic.  I traveled east over the Oakland Bay Bridge to Fairfield, CA...home of the Jelly Belly factory!  Who hasn't heard of Jelly Belly?  It was president Ronald Reagan's candy of choice.  They make a bazillion flavors...everyone has a favorite.  I took advantage of their free factory tour, which showed how the special jelly beans are made.

As our tour guide explained the process of making Jelly Belly candy, there was a lot of activity on the factory floor.  From making the flavorful jelly center, putting the hard coating around it, polishing it up, and finally packaging the finished product.  It was all going on below us.  There was a pleasant odor of sweetness in the air, with the addition of lemon scent as we entered the room where they put the candy coating on the jelly center.  One part of the tour I REALLY liked...getting samples of jelly beans throughout the tour!  And, as we were leaving, everyone got a bag of Jelly Belly candy!  Of course, my visit was not complete without making some purchases in the Jelly Belly store!  The biggest problem was deciding what to buy!  If for some reason, you're not sure about a flavor, they even have a special counter where you can try samples of everything! If you ever get a chance, check out the Jelly Belly factory...you won't regret it! 

The rest of my day was spent driving.  At one point, I stopped for gas in Williams, CA.  I noticed the vehicle next to me had British Columbia license plates and belonged to a couple of senior citizens.  I asked the lady if they were traveling north, like myself, but she said they were going south...snowbirds seeking a warmer place to spend the winter.  She noticed the "I ♥ Barcelona" sticker in my back window, and stated she had a couple of friends who were just there.  I had to tell her that it wasn't Barcelona the city...rather, Barcelona the band.  Hey, whatever works!  

Tomorrow, I visit one of my most favorite places to see animals...West Coast Game Park in Bandon, OR.  I'm hoping to have yet another unique experience...I do every time I go there.  

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

I thought it was going to rain this morning, so I nixed by planned ferry trip to Angel Island to wait for a better day.  Well, it ended up NOT raining, but I still enjoyed my alternate plan.  In the morning, I visited Fort Point National Historic Site, located at the mouth of San Francisco Bay, under the Golden Gate Bridge. Fort Point was built around the time of the Civil War to protect California against naval attack.  When the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed, an arch was created in the bridge design to preserve the historic building.

I drove to Fisherman's Wharf for lunch and to do a little shopping at Boudin Bakery.  Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon at the San Francisco Zoo.  This zoo didn't have as many animals as a lot of other big city zoos, but those that were there had very large and spacious living quarters...a big plus in my book.  I got some great photos of the lions and tigers and bears...oh, my!

Of course, there were other animals besides those three species.  I was fortunate to be there for the afternoon feeding of the penguins.  And, who DOESN'T love koalas?  This one looks like a big, cuddly, adorable stuffed animal...don't you want to take it home?

 

At one point during my zoo visit, I was approaching the kangaroo exhibit when I came across an older woman and two young children.  I overheard her tell the boy, who appeared to be about 7 or 8 years old that "it" might kill him.  She called out to me and asked what it was that the boy had.  Turns out the "it" was a colorful hairy caterpillar, which was perched on a leaf he was holding.  I reassured the lady that it wouldn't hurt him...unless maybe if he tried to eat it!  Some caterpillars CAN be poisonous!  I was joking, of course, and I told the boy that the caterpillar would grow up to be a butterfly.  The lady felt better and continued to let the boy play with the caterpillar.  It was a lighthearted moment, made more fitting, considering we were at a facility that nurtures education and conservation of animals. 

Pebbles? No, more like Barney Rubble!

After a pleasant pit stop in Monterey, CA, I didn't want to leave without driving the famous 17-Mile Drive.  This road travels through a gated community at Pebble Beach, and non-residents pay a toll fee to drive through.  But, it's worth the price as visitors are treated to magnificent ocean views and many photo opportunities.

Pebbles?  More like rubble and boulders!  The Pebble Beach Resort is home to the world class golf courses, Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and The Links at Spanish Bay.  Picturesque scenery while you're playing the challenging holes.  Here's the 3rd hole at Spanish Bay.

While I was taking photos of the rocky shores, someone was trying to get my attention. This Brewer's Blackbird kept strutting back and forth on the fence rail, as if to tell me something.  Sorry, no feeding the animals!

No visit to Pebble Beach would be complete without seeing its biggest tourist attraction...The Lone Cypress.  This Monterey Cypress tree has been sitting on its precarious perch for over 250 years.  I think it would be hard to take a bad picture of this view!

Although not as well known, down the road from The Lone Cypress is what is known as The Ghost Tree.  The name comes from it's bleached white appearance.  I think it makes just as beautiful a photo.

In the afternoon, I drove to Salinas to visit the John Steinbeck Center.  This museum celebrates the work of this illustrious American author.  I think pretty much everyone has read a Steinbeck novel, or perhaps seen a movie based on his books.  The Grapes Of Wrath, The Pearl, Travels with Charley, and my personal favorite, Of Mice And Men.  Guess what book this exhibit is about?

If you said My Friend Flicka...wrong!  Actually, that would be The Red Pony, a story that didn't end well for young Jody.  But, it was an example of Steinbeck writing about life and the human condition. Not everyone lives happily ever after. 

So, now I'm in San Francisco for one day of fun...and sourdough bread. Only five more days left in my road trip!  I'm starting to miss my own bed...and my cat. 

Rainy days and Mondays

The rain held off overnight, choosing instead to make my morning miserable.  As I headed out of Morro Bay, CA the rain started coming down.  But, I was bound and determined to go through with at least some of my outdoor plans.  Near San Simeon, I turned off Hwy 1 at the sign that said "Elephant Seal Vista."  As I got out of my Blazer, I could hear the seals before I actually saw them.  A cross between gurgling, farting and deep snorting.  When they came into view, I was just blown away.

I had never seen wild elephant seals before and I especially didn't expect to see so many!  There were at least a few hundred on the beach and in the water.  A volunteer from Friends Of The Elephant Seal was present to explain what we were seeing.  Apparently, the seals were juveniles resting and fasting for their eventual journey north.

In addition, the seals were strengthening their bones by moving on land since they spend so much time in the water.  I observed many of them also play fighting.  Those skills would come in handy later when they battled other males during mating season.

As I took photos of the seals, my camera got a little wet.  Later, I noticed the automatic lens cover wasn't opening and closing properly...oh, great.  I continued north on Hwy 1, the rain kept coming down.  At Limekiln State Park, I dug out my umbrella to walk the trail to the lime kilns.  In the late 1880s, these kilns were used to heat limestone rocks dug from local quarries to be processed into lime for concrete. Afterward, I hiked another short trail to Limekiln Falls

  

When early afternoon rolling around, I was heartened to see blue sky and sun making an appearance.  As I pulled into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the rain was gone, and I was looking forward to getting some nice ocean pics.  I walked along the Waterfall Overlook Trail, and admired the beautiful ocean scapes.  I got some nice shots, including McWin Falls spilling onto the beach.  

When I returned to my vehicle, I noticed the ants.  They were crawling along the bottom edge of the door frame, and disappeared behind the dashboard.  How did they get there, and when did it happen?  Possibly in Anaheim...I had my Blazer sitting in the hotel parking garage for three days without moving.  Well, I can't have ants in my groupie mobile!  I went to a hardware store in Carmel and picked up ant bait.  Hopefully, it does the trick.  Tomorrow, I travel to San Francisco for a couple of days.  I love San Francisco! 

Butterfly misses and cat kisses

It was raining lightly as I drove north out of Los Angeles, but it soon gave way to sunshine.  I traveled up U.S. 101, making my first stop just north of Santa Barbara.  I took a steep curvy road to see the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park.  Actually, it was just a short stone staircase to just one cave.  The cave drawings within were pretty impressive, though.  They had a steel fence covering the mouth of the cave to protect the paintings, which is a good thing.  Sometimes, people can be so destructive.

I continued north and made my second stop at Goleta, CA and the Coronado Butterfly Preserve.  This natural area is set aside to provide a wintering ground for monarch butterflies.  But, as I walked through the preserve, I saw only a few monarchs flitting above the eucalyptus trees.  They were too far away to get any photos, although I DID get one of a common buckeye resting among the ice plants.

As I was walking back, I spotted a black and white cat stalking something in a field.  A hawk was circling overhead, perhaps contemplating making the cat its next meal.  But, it flew off, and the cat soon lost interest in what it had seen.  I called out to it and the cat came over to me, meowing.  Such a friendly kitty, and it made me miss my own Kimi, who I left back at home.

I kept driving until I reached Morro Bay State Park.  I checked out their Museum of Natural History, but it was pretty small and didn't take long to see everything.  With extra time on my hands, I decided to walk the boardwalks of El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area in nearby Los Osos.  This preserve overlooks the Morro Bay estuary, and is within sight of the local landmark, Morro Rock.

As I walked along the boardwalks, I saw the trees that gave the preserve its name.  I'm not sure what kind they are and what the mossy-looking stuff is, but they DO give the trees a fairy-like appearance.

Tomorrow, it looks like rain.  That would put a damper on my plan to visit some state parks.  I'll be looking for some indoor alternatives should the weather turn soggy. 

Enlightenment at The Getty

I woke up to overcast skies and a light mist falling.  Not that impressive to this Northwesterner used to REAL rain.  I was in the mood for a nice hot bowl of ramen, so I drove to Westfield Century City Shopping Center, home to Ajisen Ramen.  I had eaten at the restaurant before, so I knew what to expect...a great bowl of ramen!

My tummy satisfied, I spent the afternoon at the J. Paul Getty Museum to get a little culture. The Getty collects and displays primarily European art...paintings, drawings, sculptures, etc. 

When it comes to art, I'm pretty much a novice, although I AM familiar with some of the famous impressionists, such as Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.  And, I was impressed to see some of those artists' paintings at the museum.  Here's Van Gogh's Irises and a Monet still life.

 

As for the rest of the early 1600s-1700s stuff, I was clueless.  I didn't spent too much time looking at those paintings, but some of the decorative arts was pretty amazing.  Talk about a fancy living room!

After my museum visit, I made a return trip to the Los Angeles Farmer's Market to get more tasty Brazilian food from the Pampas Grill. And, so, my time in southern California had come to an end.  Tomorrow, I make the slow drive north along the California and Oregon coasts, seeing some sights along the way. 

Behind the scenes at Paramount Studios

Braved rush hour traffic this morning to get to Paramount Studios.  It's always tricky driving the Los Angeles freeways because you never know where things may backup.  About five miles from the studio, I got caught up in one of those bumper to bumper headaches.  I consulted my GPS and exited to travel the rest of the way via city streets.  I love my GPS! 

When I got to Paramount, since I was taking their VIP tour, I got to park in the studio's visitors lot.  Made me feel a bit special getting to go through the same security gates at the actors!  I was met by my tour guide for the day, Caitlin.  I was joined by a group of six other people, which made for a much more intimate tour.  We entered the studio lot via the Bronson gate and proceeded to visit different workshops that provide materials needed for movie and television productions. 

From set construction, the sign department to props, the secrets were revealed to our attentive group.  Caitlin proved to be a very witty and informative guide, and we had a lot of fun.  Of particular interest was visiting the sets of the TV shows, Community, Happy Endings and Dr. Phil.  The only set we were allowed to take photos was the latter, but it's not like you would normally get to take photos in the studio anyway! 

We were provided lunch as part of the tour experience, which was nice. After our meal break, we were shown the studio archive, where all the movies and television shows filmed by Paramount Studios are stored.  They were filming one of my favorite shows, American Horror Story on the lot today, but sadly, I didn't see anything from that one. At the end of our tour, I was given a couple of mementos of my visit to the studio.  I received a photo of me standing in front of Bronson gate and a free movie poster...I picked Paranormal Activity 4. 

Afterward, I headed over to Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank to attend a live taping the the TV show Two And A Half Men.  Like my previous experiences going to live tapings, I really enjoyed watching the process of filming a TV episode.  Of course, I wasn't there just to watch...I was expected to help provide a laugh track.  Even if a punchline isn't real funny, you still should laugh anyway.  It was wonderful seeing two actors familiar to me...John Cryer and Ashton Kutcher...doing their thing.  It took roughly 2 1/2 hours to film the half hour episode, and we got our slice of pizza snack, too.  Tomorrow, is my last day in southern California before I make the slow drive north along the coast.  And, it will be another easy day...two museums!